Sandra‘s Closet

Mother’s Day is on Sunday, the 11th of May and I have the perfect gift idea for you: a self-designed Mother’s Day beauty basket. There are no limits to your creativity. Amongst some amazing beauty products, you can place finest pralines, macarons and chocolate truffles, a CD with chill-out music and a bottle of champagne. A great way for daughters to give their moms a relaxing little break from everyday life including an extra portion of beauty care.

Great news is that I have already a finished basket for you to win with some beautiful products from the house of Olaz, including the ultra famous Olaz Beauty Fluid has been around since 1952. Being bestseller for 60 years, its texture has thrilled women around the globe. It provides the skin with moisture and lends immediately an incredibly fresh appearance. Furthermore the fluid is a true multitasker: Placed in the fridge, it becomes a perfect cooling lotion during summertime. When applied to the hands, it makes them soft and smooth and with some glitter powder mixed, the fluid leaves the skin with a beautiful shimmering glamour effect.

Just in time for Mother’s Day, Olaz releases a limited edition in a special packaging design of its iconic product.

Olaz Beauty Set for a self-designed Mother’s Day gift basket:
Olaz Beauty Fluid Limited Edition (CHF 9.45) provides the skin with moisture.
Olaz Regenerist 3 Point Cleansing System (CHF 52.20) for a cleansing massage.
Olaz Regenerist Regenerating Cream Cleanser (CHF 15.50) for effective skin cleansing.
Olaz Total Effects CC Cream (CHF 39.90) for an instantly improved skin tone.
Olaz Total Effects Night Firming Treatment (CHF 26.90) fights the signs of aging.

The package has a total value of CHF 143.35 and one lucky lady can win it.

To participate in the contest, please send me an e-mail with your postal address and the header “Mother’s Day with Olaz” to . All entries must be received until May 1st, 2014. No purchase or payment of any kind is necessary to enter or win this contest. By entering this contest, entrants accept and agree to be bound by these official rules. The winner has to have a Swiss address.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: Courtesy of Olaz

Great news for all beauty aficionados: Yves Saint Laurent‘s new luxurious premium skin care line OR ROUGE fights aging with the help of saffron, often called “red gold”, as the key ingredient. But it’s not just any saffron strain, explained Stephan Bezy, International General Manager of Yves Saint Laurent Beauté, it comes from high in the Atlas Mountains of Morocco, a country with historic links to the founding couturier himself, since that’s where Saint Laurent gleaned inspiration. Saffron pistils from crocus flowers grown there contain a high concentration of a unique glycan known as crocin. Glycans play a leading role in skin’s cell communication and metabolism, plus contribute to tissue structure and architecture. Their quantity diminishes as people age, causing skin to lose substance and the deterioration of its supporting architecture.

I have tried this new skin care collection since a few weeks and it has absolutely convinced me. It targets the appearance of fine lines, wrinkles, smile lines and roughness. Dullness and dark spots are reduced, leaving the skin appearing more radiant, firmer and more uniform.

Or Rouge Cream
CHF 539.00 (50ml)
Or Rouge Eye Cream
CHF 243.00 (15ml)
Or Rouge Lotion
CHF 182.00 (200ml)

Available at Harrods as an online exclusive. In Switzerland at Jelmoli Zurich and Globus Basel.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: Courtesy of YSL

Fringe — it’s everywhere! Swingy fringed bags are making a huge comeback this S/S 2014 season. Of course, the trend never really goes away for long. Now, it is time to decide wether you will go for a boho version (Gucci) or opt for extreme sophistication (Fendi).
The variety of fringe is endless:

1 Fringed macramé and leather clutch by The Row
2 Scarab fringed textured-leather clutch by Valentino
3 Fringed suede shoulder bag by Gucci
4 Fringed intrecciato leather clutch by Bottega Veneta
5 Sella small fringed leather bowling bag by Tod’s
6 Fringe detail velvet Baguette bag by Fendi

Which one is your favorite? I couldn’t resist the Valentino one…

LoL, Sandra

Photos: Courtesy of the Brands

Launched in 2012, Burberry‘s THE BRITAIN watch has been a bestseller since then. Designed by the house’s Creative Director Christopher Bailey, the design evoke the look of the brand’s most iconic piece, the famous Burberry trench coat. A celebration of innovation and craftsmanship, The Britain is a modern, elegant collection of watches for men and women.

The Burberry booth at the Baselworld 2014 booth was of course one of the most advanced ones at the fair. The house is extremely successful with their social media campaigns.

Designed in Britain and crafted in Switzerland, each watch features a distinctive octagonal face with details inspired by Burberry heritage, including D-ring shaped bezels and an iconic trench coat colour palette.

My favorite model: THE BRITAIN BBY1400 38MM DIAMOND BEZEL
38mm stainless steel case, set with 124 diamonds (0.68 ct ), Swiss Made Quartz movement, Trench alligator strap

This year, The Britain is inspired in new ways. Introduced during Baselworld 2014, THE BRITAIN LIMITED EDITION TRENCH CERAMIC features a new design in smooth trench-coloured ceramic combined with trench-hued 18K gold in a precious series of just 20 individually numbered pieces for women with automatic movements.

Available from Burberry.com, selected Burberry stores and selected retailers worldwide from April 2014.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: Courtesy of Burberry and © Sandra Bauknecht

“London’s where I was brought up. It’s where my heart is and where I get my inspiration.” – Alexander McQueen, January 2000

The amazing Alexander McQueen: Savage Beauty exhibition is coming to London – and great news is that you can buy a ticket from 10am tomorrow morning (Advance booking is advised – this can be done in person at the V&A; online; or by calling 020 7420 9736 (booking fee applies)). After endless rumours that it would, the V&A announced that it will host the exhibition from March 14 to July 19, 2015 in partnership with Swarovski and supported by American Express.

The original version of Savage Beauty at the Metropolitan Museum of Art, New York in 2011 was organised by the Costume Institute and became one of the Museum’s top 10 most visited exhibitions. Now, this outstanding large retrospective of the late designer’s work is to be presented in Europe for the first time,  showcasing McQueen’s visionary body of work. Spanning his 1992 MA graduate collection to his unfinished A/W 2010 collection, McQueen’s designs will be presented with the dramatic staging and sense of spectacle synonymous with his runway shows.

For me, a must-see again!

LoL, Sandra

Photos: Courtesy of Alexander McQueen

As promised, here is the detailed post regarding my outfit that I wore to the 2014 Film Independent Spirit Awards.

My look: Patchwork lace peplum gown by Alessandra Rich, Janis leather pumps by Saint Laurent, dual beaded leather clutch by Valentino,crystal embellished butterfly earrings by Miu Miu and rose diamond ring by Piaget.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Sandra Bauknecht

Oh Wow! The second issue of L’Officiel Switzerland is out and I couldn’t be any prouder. Dedicated to jewelry, we have some fun stories, great designers and the season’s must-have pieces for you. Here is a sneak preview of your weekend read:

Be sure to read all about designer Suzanne Syz and her amazing jewelry pieces Made in Switzerland!

I love this editorial we shot in Miami with photographer Marco Trunz and stylist Hannah Godde.

Ready to dream? Enjoy this stunning Haute Couture fashion spread that features the most luxurious gowns.

Lanvin celebrates 125 years of style, elegance and glamour. We give you an interesting insight.

Don’t forget to like our Facebook page for some behind the scene pictures and sneak previews. Share it! Dive into it! Have fun with it! In the meantime, we are finishing issue the third issue…

LoL, Sandra

Photos: Via L’Officiel Switzerland, © Sandra Bauknecht

Prada’s latest fragrance evolved from the concept of an imaginary flower created especially for Candy. Of course, Candy cannot simply have any flower. Her flower has to be wondrous and sophisticated, unlike any other. One that is simply unique.

Prada Candy Florale is the third fragrance from the Prada Candy collection. The original Candy was launched in 2011, followed by Candy L’Eau in 2013

PRADA CANDY FLORALE
FLORAL FRUITY GOURMAND
Top note: Sorbet of Limoncello
Middle note: Peonies
Base note: Musks, Benzoin and Caramel

Available in perfumeries and selected warehouses by the end of April 2014 as Eau de Toilette Spray 30ml (CHF 74.00), 50ml (CHF 99.00) and 80ml (CHF  127.00).

Steven Meisel captures Léa Seydoux as Candy at her most sensual and uplifting for the new ad campaign, with the fragrance transporting her into a dreamlike state. Just beautiful!

LoL, Sandra

Photos: Courtesy of Prada and © Sandra Bauknecht

Brazil is the star country this summer and served as a great source of inspiration for Clarins that dedicated their new summer makeup look to the Latin hot spot. Bright colours dominated by Curaçao blue, lightly coloured full lips and a tanned, glowy complexion, the perfect look to dance through warm summer nights…

EYES

Colours of Brazil Palette Yeux Ombres & Liner CHF 62.00
LIMITED EDITION

Truly Waterproof Mascara CHF 39.00
NEW! 01 Intense Black – 02 Curaçao

COMPLEXION

Colours of Brazil Poudre Soleil Visage CHF 49.00
LIMITED EDITION

LIPS

Crayon Baume Lèvres CHF 26.00
LIMITED EDITION
01 my pink – 02 creamy pink – 03 tender coral – 04 sweet cherry – 05 delicious plum

In stores Mid April 2014.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: Courtesy of Clarins

Last month, the 2014 Film Independent Spirit Awards took place on the beach in Santa Monica. Now in its 29th year, the awards are a celebration honouring films made by film-makers who embody independence and originality. I was invited by Piaget, co-host of the star-studded event for the seventh consecutive year.

With several of last year’s most noteworthy films being independent productions, the event drew some of the biggest names in Hollywood, including Brad Pitt and Angelina Jolie, Cate Blanchett, Michael Fassbender, Jared Leto, Jon Hamm, Lupita Nyong’o and Reese Witherspoon, among others. Therefore a gazillion of photographers were waiting for the celebrities to arrive.

Jared Leto had obviously as much fun on the red (in this case blue) carpet as I did…

…and I admit that I could totally getting used to it.

Throughout the afternoon and following the ceremony, award winners and guests celebrated in Piaget’s exclusive backstage lounge where some of the maison’s newest jewelry, as well as rare vintage creations were on display.

From left to right: Lauriane Gilliéron‎ (Miss Switzerland 2005), Mousse Jacquier (Piaget), Nicole Suess (Piaget) and my humble self had fun in the tent.

Mad Men actor Jon Hamm, Angela Bassett, Philippe Léopold-Metzger, CEO of Piaget, and his wife Catherine.

The Film Independent Spirit Awards are like the road to the Academy Awards, held one day before with an outstanding guest list. The spirit winners below also won in the same category at the Oscars 2014.

Best Female Lead
WINNER
Cate Blanchett for Blue Jasmine (2013)

The blonde actress wore a dress from Roksanda Ilincic‘s Fall 2014 collection.

Best Supporting Female
WINNER
Lupita Nyong’o for 12 Years a Slave (2013)

Thanking her mum for her never-ending support, Lupita Nyong’’o holds her award for best supporting actress for “12 Years a Slave“, the movie that won big at the Independent Spirit Awards, taking home five trophies including best feature.

Me with Brad Pitt who also stars in the historical drama film about slavery.

A pic with Brangelina… that is pretty cool, don’t you think?!

The two stars of AIDS drama Dallas Buyers Club, Matthew McConaughey and Jared Leto, took home acting prizes, as they did on Sunday’s Academy Awards.

Best Male Lead
WINNER
Matthew McConaughey for Dallas Buyers Club (2013)

Best Supporting Male
WINNER
Jared Leto for Dallas Buyers Club (2013)

Keanu Reeves with me

Angela Bassett looked so radiant and sparkled in white gold and diamond Piaget Rose cutout drop earrings.

Piaget’s global ambassador, Gong Li, dazzled photographers and fans in a stunning pair of Piaget Rose Passion torsade earrings and a Rose cocktail ring, both in white gold with diamonds.

Anthony Chen with me

Anna Kendrick wore a matching suite of Piaget Rose jewels, that looked divine in combination with her white dress and clutch by Dior.

On stage: Matthew McConaughey and Reese Witherspoon

Jason Bateman with me

Very handsome is Mad Men actor Jon Hamm.

It was an amazing experience and I am truly thankful for Piaget’s invitation! Stay tuned for my outfit post coming up soon!

LoL, Sandra

Photo: Courtesy of Piaget, Michael Kovac/WireImage and © Sandra Bauknecht